Anderson and Mendoza are two highly regarded MBA programs, but they differ in key areas. Anderson holds a stronger US News ranking. Anderson reports a higher median base salary. Anderson offers lower annual tuition, and Anderson delivers the stronger 5-year ROI. Anderson is the more selective program by acceptance rate.
| Metric | Anderson | Mendoza |
|---|---|---|
| Rankings | ||
| US News Rank | #182026 | #282026 |
| Bloomberg BBW Rank | #162024 | #392024 |
| Financial Times Rank | #242025 | — |
| QS Global MBA Rank | #112025 | — |
| Admissions & Financials | ||
| Annual Tuition | $65,049 | $65,766 |
| Median Base Salary | $172,000 | $130,000 |
| 5-Year ROI | 561% | 394% |
| Class Size | 360 | 165 |
| Acceptance Rate | 25.0% | 42.0% |
| Median GMAT | 714 | 670 |
| Average GPA | — | — |
Green = better value per metric. Rankings: lower rank number = better. Salary & ROI: higher = better. Acceptance rate & tuition: lower = better.
UCLA Anderson is a top choice for those looking to work in entertainment, real estate, and tech on the West Coast. Known for its entrepreneurial culture and strong alumni ties in Los Angeles, Anderson offers a high ROI given its public school tuition.
The Mendoza College of Business at Notre Dame is distinguished by its values-based approach to business education. Consistently ranked among the top MBA programs for ethics and social responsibility, Mendoza produces leaders known for integrity and collaborative problem-solving. Its strong alumni network, tight-knit community, and growing consulting and finance placement make it a compelling choice for candidates who want a rigorous MBA without the competitive culture of larger programs.
Both are highly ranked MBA programs. Anderson ranks higher in US News, but Anderson delivers a stronger 5-year ROI of 561%. The best choice depends on your career goals and preferred location.
Anderson is more selective with a 25.0% acceptance rate, compared to 42.0% for Mendoza.
Anderson reports a median base salary of $172,000, while Mendoza reports $130,000. Actual salary varies significantly by industry and function.
Anderson annual tuition is $65,049 and Mendoza is $65,766. Anderson offers a 717 lower annual cost.
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